Youth

 

Youth participation in the Better Internet for Kids agenda allows young people to express their views and exchange knowledge and experiences concerning their use of online technologies, as well as tips on how to stay safe.

They also advise on internet safety and empowerment strategy, help create innovative resources and disseminate eSafety messages to their peers.

On this page, you'll find a selection of articles corresponding to youth participation in creating a safer and better internet.

2023-09-15 media literacy/education, potentially harmful content BIK Team

International Day of Democracy 2023: Empowering the next generation

Today, 15 September 2023, we celebrate the International Day of Democracy. The day is officially recognised as a United Nations observance. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the state of democracy worldwide. This year, the focus is on "Empowering the next generation," recognising young people's pivotal role in advancing democracy.

2023-09-11 gaming, love, relationships, sexuality (online), media literacy/education, sexting BIK Team

Introducing the Back2School campaign

It’s September once again, which means it’s time for pupils to go back to school. Better Internet for Kids (BIK) wants to kick off the new school year with a campaign aimed at anyone working with children and young people to educate them to a safer, better internet experience, including teachers and educators, to support their activities and raise awareness of online safety topics in the classroom.

2023-09-08 media literacy/education BIK Team

International Literacy Day 2023

International Literacy Day, observed annually on 8 September, will be celebrated this year under the theme: "Promoting literacy for a world in transition". It will serve as an opportunity to accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on education and lifelong learning and to rethink the role of literacy in establishing inclusive, peaceful, just, and sustainable societies.

2023-08-14 advertising/commercialism, excessive use, media literacy/education BIK Team

Screen time: Balancing online activities for children over the summer

With summer in full swing, children often have more free time. As they explore the season’s wonders, we can encourage them to balance their online and offline activities, making the most of their time. While digital devices can be fascinating, we can encourage them to engage in creative activities that foster learning and interactions with others. Striving for balance will empower our children to enjoy the best of both worlds, promoting their physical and mental well-being, while making fond memories over the summer break. 

2023-08-01 excessive use, media literacy/education BIK Team

Summer tech tips: establishing healthy digital habits for families

Hello, summer! For parents, it means more time to relax, and for children, more time to play. The digital world offers many opportunities to spend time and fight the occasional boredom. Embracing a balanced approach to digital devices can significantly improve family ties and children's physical, mental and emotional development. Encouraging responsible and mindful digital habits can foster solid relationships and well-being in the family. Here are eight tips to help ensure families' healthy use of digital devices.

2023-07-30 cyberbullying, love, relationships, sexuality (online), sexting BIK Team

International Day of Friendship 2023

On 30 July 2023, we commemorate the International Day of Friendship. This Initiative was launched by the United Nation (UN) in 2011 to encourage friendship between people, countries, cultures, and individuals to create harmony between communities and inspire peace efforts.

2023-07-15 media literacy/education BIK Team

Celebrating World Youth Skills Day 2023

Today, we celebrate World Youth Skills Day 2023. Observed on 15 July each year, it serves as a global platform to emphasise the importance of equipping young people with the skills necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world. 

2023-07-03 media literacy/education BIK Team

Youth-led Safer Internet Forum and the BIK Youth Panel

This year’s Safer Internet Forum (SIF) will, once again, benefit from the insights and contributions of young people. To ensure a successful and engaging event, a Safer Internet Forum Youth Advisory Group (SIF YAG) and the BIK Youth Panel have been convened to help guide the preparation and delivery of the event. Within these two groups, young people from across Europe will work collaboratively in the coming months to deliver an event that reflects the current aspirations and concerns of youth when it comes to their online lives. 

2023-06-28 media literacy/education BIK Team

Empowering Young Minds: Insights from the EU Youth Design Jam

On 26-28 April 2023, Meta - in collaboration with Think Young - organised an EU Youth Design Jam in Brussels, where young participants from across Europe gathered to address digital safety and privacy concerns. The event offered an invaluable opportunity for youth to collaborate, learn from industry professionals, and contribute their perspectives to shaping a safer online environment. Among the passionate participants were two Better Internet for Kids (BIK) Youth Ambassadors: Adrian from Spain and Molly from Ireland, who shared their experiences and insights gained during the Youth Design Jam.

2023-06-28 advertising/commercialism, cyberbullying, data privacy, excessive use, gaming, hate speech, potentially harmful content, sexual harassment BIK Team

Digital Services Stakeholder event

The first Digital Services Act Stakeholder event took place on 27 June 2023, in Brussels and online, marking a significant milestone in shaping the future of digital services in the European Union. It provided a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to engage with the European Commission and contribute their insights for the implementation of the Digital Services Act (DSA). 

Want to find out more about Safer Internet Centre (SIC) services and resources in your country?

Check out your SIC profile page to connect with national resources and sources of support, providing awareness raising, helpline, hotline and youth participation services.